[Mostly Closed] August Catch-All

[alchemyfreak]

who: Anyone that wants to interact with Ed during August (Hit me up to request a top level at TransmutedSelf or post your own!)
what: Various
when: Anytime during August
where: Floor six, the Gardens, The General Store, Trixie and some nice burger joint in the city
warnings: Amnesia effects August 12th-19th, nightmares, religious talk etc. The nightmare thread has the potential to get pretty dark, warnings will go in individual tags.

Top-levels will be posted below.

Ed also has an open mingle posted if that's your thing.

Comments

[Closed to Chloe - before Lucifer moves her stuff out]

[alchemyfreak]

Ed had been going through the research spread across all three desks when he found it. There were notes between Ed, Al and Chloe, books, Ed even kept the laptop out that Cain had let him use - in order to compile the notes if nothing else. He still wasn't sure he trusted the notion of researching on it, but that was a topic for another day.

It was easy enough to dismiss case files, Ed had been doing this long enough to separate Chloe's work from information that was his business at this point so he didn't put too much thought into sliding those over to one side of the desk and grabbing what he needed. Of course, this didn't take into account the research that was neither about the Quarantine or Chloe's work. Those notes weren't marked as case files, and they were with a book that looked like it could easily have been from the library. Something thick and heavy definitely looked more Quarantine related than police or detective work, so he had started to look through what was there.

Only to realize that what was there was not anything to do with what he was looking for. Chloe might need a reminder on separating or hiding her work. When she returned to the room she would find that the desk that held her stuff had been "organized" so that her case files and work stuff took up one part of the desk, and the notes and Bible were carefully placed on the other side of the desk as if to indicate that they were different and should be kept apart. Mostly it was that Ed had gone through the stuff, picked out whatever was Riverview specific and moved it onto the desk with his laptop in order to add it to the list of notes he was gradually getting updated onto the damn thing. Papers were scattered across the other two desks, as well as books - some also piled on the floor - nothing nearly as neat as the first desk with the bible and Chloe's case files.

[couldkillthedevil]

She never thought she'd end up here. Both literally and metaphorically, because honestly, who expects to end up in another dimension? Everything about this place, from the people and strange celebratory culture and concept that magic actually existed, were all things that Chloe was still getting used to. Hell, she's still coming to term that her partner is the Devil. And that they had a... connection. Something that tied them together, something that made her special, apparently, though she still doesn't understand it.

That's why she's been trying to look into it. The idea of 'miracle children' is something she is familiar with in the most basic of terms; it doesn't quite sit well with her being called one, considering the connotations that brings up. But it's enough for her to want to know. To want to make sense of something senseless.

So when she returns to the room she shares with the others, she takes note of the changed organization immediately. Specifically the separation of the Bible and her other files. A sigh escapes her lips for the barest of moments before she moves in to reach for the Bible, opening it and eying the notes she'd made in the margins.

Even if she suspects he's not trying to be nosy, she has a feeling he's curious. "Ed?" she calls out. "You here?"

[alchemyfreak]

He had taken the quiet moment to grab a shower while no one else was around, still tugging his vest down as he moves through the presumably empty floor. That is, until he hears Chloe's voice. "Yeah, I'm here." His hair is still wet and loose when he shows up in the room, noting that she had found the shifted research info. Considering nearly all of their roommates knew about his arm at this point he stopped bothering to cover it in the privacy of the communal floor.

"Hey," If anything he looks a little self-conscious about messing with her stuff. "I started putting more of the notes up on the computer. Kind of figured you didn't want- that mixed in with it." It made sense at the time, and even if she's right and he is curious he's not about to pry into something that's not his business. Or really anything he understands.

[couldkillthedevil]

At first she's tempted to scold him about going through other people's things without asking, but his explanation and demeanor has her settling. It's not out of the question that he'd find her personal notes considering the work they'd been doing together and free reign they'd given over helping each other out, after all.

Still, she can't help but feel a little awkward about it. A little self-conscious, maybe, if only because she's always been a vocal skeptic and wouldn't consider herself a follower of God even though she knows He exists now. It's hard to admit that she's doing a weird kind of genealogy report on herself with the help of her trusty Bible.

She clears her throat and shifts a little, sighing before placing the Bible back on the desk. "Did you read any of the notes? The ones I left with the book, I mean. Or wrote in the margins."

[Closed to Nico - Auction Date]

[alchemyfreak]

There weren't really a whole lot of places that Ed could think to take someone like Nico. On one hand, all the kid seemed to eat was fast food so although that was probably a perfectly acceptable offer in his opinion, Ed kind of wanted him to have a chance to eat something else for a change.

Which meant trying to find a place to go that was more expensive than fast food while still fitting into the theme of dinner between friends. Or, at least Nico's comfort level. It took some searching, figuring dinner in the communal building wouldn't exactly be an exciting time, before he found something that seemed worth his efforts.

Granted, it was still a burger place, but at least they weren't going to be served paper cups at the register and handed bags of greasy food over a check out counter. No, this place was equipped with a bar, tables and booths covered in fancy looking menus, cloth napkins and silverware, like your average steak house. This was the kind of place that would provide a free glass of water and come around to take your drink order before even considering that you had a meal picked out.

Honestly, Ed was entirely out of his element here, even in Muir he hadn't bothered with places like this. They certainly hadn't existed in Purg, and back home it was more or less about eating wherever you could find a place - a cafe, a diner. This was not only more upscale, but more modern than anything he was used to, which frankly described this whole damn moon most of the time.

At first he wasn't sure what to expect, but as they entered the building a hostess standing nearby immediately offered to show them to a table with the sort of pleasant smile that said she had been doing this long enough to find nobody that walked through that door surprising. Ed glanced at Nico as they followed her to an empty table where she explained which menu was for what - your drinks, your desserts, your dinners - before leaving them on their own to decide.

Once she was gone, Ed glanced across the table over his menu before glancing back at the list with a muttered retort, "How complicated can this be? The only thing they serve is burgers..."

[deathkid]

Nico's never been on a date. There was a time when he would've loved to be taken out, but that had been in the past, when he was in love with the son of Poseidon. Here, in quarantine, however, there was just him and he's been over Percy for several months ( so he tells himself ). So Nico never thought someone would bid on him, much less Ed. It's a surprise that made him wonder what Ed had in mind, but when the day came, Nico was ready.

He didn't dress any different, didn't even think to change out of his ripped jeans. As far as Nico was concerned, this was just a friends kind of thing and he didn't even know what Ed had in mind. Still, as they approached the restaurant, Nico was surprised to see it was a burger joint. Apparently, Ed had put thought into this and knew what Nico liked. When they sat down and were given their menus, Nico was quick to look at it. The types of burgers were numerous and there was a plethora of other goodies he could pick from. But it was Ed's comment that made him lift his eyes over his menu to regard the older man.

"Yeah, but there's different kinds. Like, look," he said, leaning over the table to point at one item. "This one has mushrooms and Swiss cheese. But this one has bacon. This place is actually pretty cool."

[alchemyfreak]

Ed had never been on a date either, the idea was a little weird to him anyway - the whole concept of the auction and bidding on dates. Nico was probably more ready than he was considering he'd actually had an active desire to go on a date before in his life.

As far as attire, Ed hadn't changed anything either. He'd put some research into the place, and if Nico liked burgers he would probably really enjoy a 5 Star burger joint, but Ed had made sure it was casual before deciding on the place. If showing up in jeans and a t-shirt was frowned on it wasn't someplace either of them would probably be comfortable, regardless of how they dressed.

He had to grin at Nico's reaction, setting his own menu down on the table. "There are a lot of options." Ed was still getting used to all the food available here, it wasn't like this in Attollo and even Attollo had been an improvement on Purg - but anything would be at this point. He glanced up from his own menu with a frown, tugging one of other menus from the display in the center of the table. "There's a whole separate menu for appetizers...." He hadn't even noticed the drinks menu still tucked into place between the ketchup and mustard, indicating the small menu in his hand. "Do you want to get something before the burgers?"

[deathkid]

"Appetizers?" Nico hadn't even considered that. Looking over the menu Ed offered, he frowns a little to himself. Already, Ed had spent money to purchase this date and was going to spend more for the food, and that made Nico feel a little bad. He wasn't hurting for money in any way, and since he figured this was more of a friends kind of thing, he should chip in. So he looked up at Ed and tilted his head.

"I can pay for my half of the check," he explained briefly before looking down at the menu again. As far as he knew, the prices were reasonable and he could easily afford anything on the menu. He didn't want to assume anything about Ed, though, so he waited patiently for Ed's response before deciding on whatever he might want from the appetizer menu.

[Closed to Floor Six (Primarily Al) - Amnesia Event End Nightmare]

[alchemyfreak]

Ed had taken to sleeping in his vest now that nearly the entire floor knew about his arm. He figured Cain was the type to mind his own business and not ask a lot of questions, so it was safe. He didn't venture into the communal part of the floor without something covering his arm still, but it hardly seemed worth the effort considering how different things were for Garrus.

He had been sleeping so well the past week it was almost concerning how abnormal it was for him. Between the automail reveal and the amnesia effects he didn't have as much of a reason to stay up or work around the schedule of others. Nightmares were still going to be a risk, but in the short week of relief from his darkest memories in Purg there weren't likely to be too many of those considering Ed didn't get them nearly as often as he could with his history.

There isn't usually much movement or sound when Edward has a nightmare, generally that would come after when he bolted out of the dead sleep in surprise and horror. He had a tendency to try to keep quiet in communal quarters, getting up and moving out of the room to avoid waking anyone else that might be asleep. Something about tonight was different.

The fact that Ed was trembling, whimpering quietly in his sleep and clearly struggling might be obvious to anyone that was a light sleeper, or already awake at this hour. The subdued reaction wouldn't last long though, instead turning against the mattress, shaking his head as if to ward off whatever visual his mind conjured. After a few moments of that Ed shot up from the bed, golden eyes wide with a horrified scream of what sounded like absolute terror. He panted, curling in on himself and drawing his legs up to press his forehead to his knees, wrapping his arms around them in an attempt to keep the quiet sobbing of his breath under control.

[alkahestic]

Sleep is still a luxury for Al, so much so that he's gotten used to being up at night. But with his bed so close to his brother's, it's impossible to miss the way a nightmare takes him in his sleep. He's seen it so many times, having had to watch on nights when his armor body was incapable of sleep. Now, however, he's flesh and blood, thanks to his brother's sacrifice, and seeing the way Ed begins tossing and turning, Al is quick to shift closer. At least, as close as he can until Ed shoots up in bed, trembling and shaking. The scream resonates in Al's ears and he flinches, trying to shake away the sound. It's so different from when Ed would startle awake while he was armor. It's more visceral this time and Al's heart aches for his brother as a result.

So he shifts closer still, all but wrapping himself around Ed as his brother sobs. It's heart wrenching and heart breaking all at once and if Al could, he'd lift whatever burden was weighing down his brother's shoulders. But he also knows Ed needs a moment to figure out where he is and who he's with. Which means quiet murmuring from Al, reminding Ed that he's there and not going anywhere.

"It's okay, Brother. I'm right here. It's okay..." he whispers, hoping to soothe Ed and calm him.

[alchemyfreak]

Ed's breath came out in pants, gasping softly for air as if robbed of oxygen. After a moment he glances up, lingering panic still in his eyes as he looks at his brother as if he's not entirely sure he's really there.

"Al..?" Blinking a few times his gaze shifted as if trying to make sense of the situation. Ed raked fingers through his hair, exhaling slowly as if to compose himself, voice soft as if he could prevent waking anyone after that scream. "I..." The dream was so fresh and so real for a moment he couldn't wrap his mind around the reality he was faced with now that he was awake.

He doesn't look at his brother, the same hardened edge to his features that was present when Alphonse first arrived has returned but there's also confusion there. As if something didn't add up. After a long moment of silence as if determining something before speaking again Ed exhales slowly and murmurs, voice low so as not to disturb anyone else. "Sorry I woke you."

[alkahestic]

Al can tell there's something going on with Ed. He's always been able to tell, even if his brother kept secrets from him. Try as Ed might to hide his emotions, they were always visible in his features, especially his eyes. Like now, as Ed struggles to compose himself, Al can tell that something is up. It must have something to do with the nightmare he'd had and Al wants nothing more than to comfort him.

The past couple days of Ed being more relaxed around him had felt like a dream, a blessing. But as he sees that tenseness shift into Ed's features, that paranoia and hardness, Al fears that that period of peace is over. And he hates that.

Carefully, he keeps himself wrapped around Ed, but also giving him space enough tou pull away if he wants to. He won't force himself on Ed, and if Ed needs more room to breathe or gather himself together, Al is ready to offer it.

"You didn't wake me," he says, equally as quiet as Ed had been. "I was already awake. Tell me what's wrong?"

TRIXIE

[hititwithacrowbar]

When the amnesia wore off one Mr. Todd was in the worst mood he had been into date. He had gone to work just because he knew he had to. When he came in that night he tore the uniform top off throwing it on his bed and changing into his black leather pants and his button up red shirt, only half buttoned up. With a cigarette between his lips unlit he made his way back out into the main room.

His hands rested on his hips. "Fuck this, I need a fucking drink." He all but grumbled snatching up his leather jacket and headed for the door. He had only waited as long as he had because he wasn't about to explain 10am drinking...

After a quick stop to talk to Edward he lead him towards the club his younger brother, and the man he had grown rather close to, owned. And now that he knew one of his brother's was gone, and the other two were hurting in their own ways he decided to do the thing he had always done. Pretend nothing happened and just go drink his feelings. He had lit the cigarette once they were outside, he was on the second one as they made their way inside, shifting long enough to flick it off into the street and headed inside after saying his name to the doorman, if he wasn't on a list he'd cover it, but somehow he felt Tim or Loki would have put him there even if he had yet to show his face since the first night.

[alchemyfreak]

Edward was not a drinker, sure he knew his way around a bar and he'd observed enough to get by, but he'd do better behind the counter than in front of it. Naturally that meant an invitation for a drink was still an odd concept to accept, especially after the number of times he'd turned Greed down in his own bar over the years.

Yet, here they were. Ed still wasn't sleeping well after waking up from that nightmare, and it showed. He looked tired and irritable, and the more carefree friendly nature that had taken over the week before was replaced by the same reflection of "soldier's eyes" he'd had before. Ed had seen some shit, and while it had been mostly peaceful during the week his memories were gone, everything had come back in a flash all in one night and he wasn't coping with it as well as he'd like to pretend.

"Those things will kill you, you know." He muttered as Jay lit a second cigarette, knowing that Jason's retort was probably going to be about having already died so who gives a shit.

Once they arrived he wasn't really paying attention to the people or the atmosphere. He was too busy debating why he had come and how much he really thought he was going to bother drinking when he'd never made a habit of it before. Jason Todd was dangerous company.

[deathkid]

After the fiasco of losing his memories, Nico's been a bit withdrawn. But that doesn't mean he isn't working when he's supposed to. He's working now, standing outside of Trixie at his usual place as the bouncer. His sword is on his hip and his arms are crossed over his chest, but it's his expression that's keeping people wary of him. It's dark, darker than what Ed or Jay may have yet seen. Having to relive the time before his sister's death has made all the old anger and pain return and without his usual friends to support him ( like percy, like reyna, like jason, like his half-sister, hazel ), he has no outlet. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to be scaring many people off yet. And his shift is nearly over, so when he sees Ed and Jay approach, he does his best to hide his darker feelings and relax. It's not a very successful endeavor, but at least he doesn't look like he's about to murder someone.

"No smoking in the club," he said as they got closer. His arms haven't dropped from over his chest, but if Jay gives him guff, he'll have to act. Even if his shift is almost over, he still has to do this.

[hititwithacrowbar]

Edward knew him to well already, the second his words left his mouth Jason rolled his eyes, taking a deeper draw and let the smoke roll out as he said the exact words. "I've already died, why would I give a shit?" One more drag was taken before he heard Nico, giving him a flat look before he opened his fist and let it fall. Crushing it out with his boot, he shoved his hands in his pockets then and shrugged. "I was done anyway."

Sure, he wouldn't mind trouble, but he didn't mind Nico, he wouldn't lash at him just cause he's in a bad mood. "Quick question, Nic, is it true Drakes left?" Tim was the manager, or coworker, something like that, he didn't remember exactly, but Timbers and Loki being the ones the ran the place was part of why he didn't come besides opening night. He was bad at dealing with his family, and now one of them was gone. Something about Nico today made the hackles on his neck rise, he still hadn't figured out quiet what it was that always gave him the heebie jeebies about the guy, but he refused to let fear rule him.

Somewhere In the Communal Building, probably Floor 6 >.>

[tempredmental]

Keith had been curious since seeing it during their trip to the temple. At first, he honestly had thought it was just a blade, similar to his bayard, that Ed was wielding against the monsters. It hadn't really seemed like anything terribly different when spotted in the movement of a fight. But he'd gotten a closer look in the temple. It was hard to miss, really, and the fact that it was metal made it a lot like Shiro's arm. He had avoided bringing it up in the depths of their trip because he knew it would have been distracting at the moment, but to just pretend to ignore it wasn't exactly great either. He at least wanted Ed to know that he'd seen it.

So, he went looking for him. When they came across each other, he raised his hand slightly to get the other's attention.

"Hey... can we talk?"

[alchemyfreak]

Keith was the last person Ed was expecting a reaction from, having known Shiro. It would have caught him by surprise for the kid to question his automail when he saw it, simply because he seemed familiar enough with the concept. When Keith arrived on Floor Six to seek him out and ask about it, he honestly wouldn't even suspect the reason.

He offered the other a quick smile in greeting at the question, but it's a guarded one. Calculating as he tried to figure out what Keith could need to talk to him about. Ed tugged open the fridge nearest the side of the room he slept on and grabbed a drink, calling over his shoulder, "Sure, want anything?"

[tempredmental]

Honestly, Keith's motivations were more advice-driven than anything else. He had questions and concerns that he was worried about asking Shiro directly.

"Uh, no. I'm fine." He shrugged a little. "I just... Um... do you mind if I ask you about your arm?"

Might as well start there. He didn't want to dive into questions right away if that was upsetting. He'd at least give Ed the chance to back out.

Garden!

[mysophobic]

So Shigeru still retained all his memories minus remembering the fact that he was a mysophobe. So without gloves and without a care in the world of germs or touching people or plants he set off to the garden to do some drawing and for some R&R.

It's here that Ed will find him lounging on the ground, his drawing pad nestled in his lap, as he draws the beautiful scenery around him. He seems pretty invested in his work so getting his attention might required a slight tap to startle him.

[alchemyfreak]

Edward had taken the time to find a quiet spot and do some reading away from the communal building. As great as his roommates were there were just a lot of people, and they all had friends that came and went without a care in the world. Sometimes he needed a moment alone.

Like when he realized his old store was here, that should have been in another world. He didn't know the portal was capable of that. Once he's done mulling things over for himself though, he gets up to head back out of the garden.

Only he's so focused on his own thoughts he's distracted enough not to notice there's someone just lounging on the ground where he's walking. Golden eyes widen in surprise as he stops just short of giving the guy an accidental kick with one automail foot, arms flailing out to the side in order to catch himself and keep his balance.

He takes a step back, about to apologize for nearly falling on top of the guy when the first thing that comes to mind blurts out instead, "Shouldn't you be sitting on a bench or something?!" He'll probably regret that reaction once he comes to his senses and his pulse slows back down to a normal rate.

[mysophobic]

In the same instance Shigeru might startle and scramble to his feet, his pencil fumbling in his fingers as he holds his drawing pad close to his chest. He'll regain his composure rather quickly though and then give a sheepish smile and laugh. ]

I'm sorry! It just feels...more natural to sit on the ground and draw. You're not hurt are you?

His eyes might do a preliminary glance but Ed seems pretty fine so far.

general store

[alkahestic]

Is there a place to sleep here?

[ there's only one bed, he realizes. in his mind, he's already expecting them to share it, but he wonders if ed will object. it's not like they haven't shared a bed before. they often did as children, and when he was still armor, but now is a little different. recalling how ed tends to sleep in only his shorts, much like al ( though he wears a tank top too ), al feels his cheeks begin to warm. quickly, he turns away to not let on his embarrassment ( and wondering why he's even embarrassed at all ), he sets aside the broom and leans down to transmute the dust into the floor.]

How should we set things up? [ said as he focuses on his transmutation. ]

[alchemyfreak]

[Ed glances up from what he's doing at the question, humming thoughtfully. He sets the list down on the counter, repressing the urge to frown at how barren an inventory they'd kept previously.]

You can take the bed upstairs, Al. There's a cot in the office too.

[He's entirely oblivious to his brother's thoughts, although like Al he is considering finally having the opportunity to sleep in something more comfortable than he had been these past few months. Trying to keep his automail covered all this time was not easy or fun, but with just Al around he'd be fine with less. It's not like the shop was open yet to worry about people showing up before he had a chance to get dressed.]

I don't think the Purg inventory list really applies here, no one's going to come to us for soap and candles. We'll figure something else out, I'm sure. Not that it matters, most of our customers will probably be repairs anyway.

[Ed only really stocked the shelves out of habit at this point, but it was strange seeing them empty.]

[alkahestic]

[ a cot? that immediately pulls a frown from al. though he knows ed can sleep just about anywhere, he's not about to let his brother sleep somewhere uncomfortable when there's a perfectly good bed they can share, his own embarrassment aside. he doesn't think it's right, especially after everything ed has been through and experienced. and there's his automail to think about, which would certainly be uncomfortable after a night on a cot. al knows this from experience.

he puts his hands on his hips and almost glares at his brother, disregarding the talk about supplies and inventory. this, in his mind, is more important. ]

You're not sleeping on a cot, Brother. We can just share, okay?